Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation is located both on and off the east shore of Lake Simcoe and is comprised of three islands: Snake, Fox and Georgina. Georgina Island, which is only an hour north of Toronto, is home to approximately 80 households and 200 cottages. Snake and Fox Islands are leased to cottage owners. The largest nearby centre is the village of Sutton.
Georgina Island First Nation’s population is approximately 220 residents and its total land mass is approximately 15 km2. Total membership is 614, with 223 residents on-reserve, of whom 193 are First Nation members. Band members reside mainly on the western shoreline of Georgina Island. Infrastructure includes:
"back row, left to right..... Councillor Bill McCue, Counciller Brett Mooney
Bottow row, councillor Kerry Charles, Chief Donna Big Canoe, Councillor Pat Big Canoe
- Police Station
- Fire Station and Ambulance Service
- Community Centre
- Administration Office
- Georgina Island School (Grades JK - 5)
- Library
- Niigan Naabiwag Daycare Centre
- United Church and Graveyard
- Health Centre
- Water Treatment Plant
- Public Works Building
- Landfill Site
War Memorial honouring veterans from WW1 and WW2
Access to the island is by car ferry, named the “Aazhaawe”, which holds approximately 16 vehicles and 40 walk-on passengers. The car ferry takes about 15 minutes to cross the lake. Once ice begins to form on the lake the residents travel by an air boat, the “scoot”. When the ice is thick enough, residents then begin to walk or use all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, pulling trailers with groceries, supplies and passengers. In the heart of winter, the residents drive their cars on a plowed road across the two miles of frozen Lake Simcoe.
All modes of transportation and communication are subject to weather conditions, as travelling during storms can be so hindered that even responses for health emergencies or emergency repairs to hydro, phones or the car ferry can be impossible sometimes.
Today finds a thriving community that is striving for economic independence and cultural recognition while establishing a strong, vibrant First Nation.
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